Thread: Rockwell 254mm table saw

Originally Posted by metester

Hi. I have had some experience with Rockwell, Ryobi and Ozito whilst not specifically with their table saws. Firstly, I would say steer clear of Ozito. My four year old uses a screwdriver I bought as a drill as it is in no danger of doing any harm to him and useless to me!

Ryobi I have found to be ok having used several of their products. Bear in mind they are definitely pitted at the DIY market.

I have a Rockwell SCMS and after learning its quirks I am satisfied with it for the moment. Unfortunately, it goes out of square a little too often and there is a little too much sideways travel (2mm either way) in the sliding arm that I have to compensate for. This is probably what I suspect will be the case with the cheaper items and brands.

If I could make a suggestion I would look into the Triton range. This is what I use as a table saw. I have a space problem and simply cannot fit one in my workshop so a portable Triton Workcentre does the job for me. If a new one from Carbatec is too expensive have a look for a second hand one on eBay. You might be lucky and find one that meets your budget. All you need then is a circular saw that you may already own or have the opportunity to buy one that then has a dual purpose. They also have a smaller one, the compact table saw, which is serviceable but wasn't as popular and now no longer available new. I have found Triton to be of good quality and accuracy for the DIYer, semi-serious woodie. Checkout one of the sponsors of this forum Stu's Shed for heaps of reviews.

Hope this helps.

Also, I have just looked at the Rockwell and I am confident it will basically do the job but don't expect the accuracy, power and perhaps repeatability of the more expensive saws.

In my experience with cheaper table saws,they are false economy in the long run. I have a Ryobi, which I bought for short term use on one project, Don't buy Ryobi unless you like using plastic tools that fall apart as soon as you try to use them. Triton...well they are difficult to adjust, barely accurate at all,though their router table is quite good, their table saw is only as good as the saw you use. I would suggest upping your purchase cost to nearer $500. when you look at saws, pay particular attention to the miter fence and the ripping fence, they tend to have too much movement on cheaper saws